The TAG Team Real Estate

What Is A First-Time Home Buyer?

Do you already know about the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers? That's great!

But do you know the true definition of "first-time" when it comes to getting the money?

The only stipulation is that you can't have owned a home in the last three years! So if you sold a home, the closing date had to be 3 years ago from today's date before you close on your new home and get your $8,000.

Finally, in order to qualify to receive your $8,000 for purchase a home, you must close on your purchase before December 1st. So if you have a lease coming up this summer, you want to get moved before school starts in the fall, or you just want to make an investment in real estate, now is your chance!

Please call or email our TAG Team buyer specialist Elizabeth Gilbert to learn more about this program! 816-550-6022 or egilbert@kw.com. Your information will be kept private and shared only with the lender of your choice if you decide to find out how much home you can afford.

Best Buy List

These great homes are new on the market. For more detailed information on any of these homes, please contact us at thetagteam@number1expert.com!

4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths in Liberty for $125,000
Cute home for a fabulous price! Full, finished, walk-out basement. Backs to green space. Nice big open kitchen and dining areas. Semi-private backyard.

3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths in KC north for $118,900
Great room. Family room with fireplace. Finished sub-basement for lots of extra living space.

3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths in KC north for $270,000
Former model with many expensive upgrades! Hardwood floors, custom built-ins, surround sound, ceramic tile packages in baths and kitchen, 16' master closet. Custom double vanity, 5' shower and whirlpool tub in master, huge kitchen with island, office, custom blinds, over-sized bedrooms, custom lighting packages, sprinkler system, deck. Unfinished sub basement.

 
3 bedrooms, 2 baths in KC north for $77,715
Opportunity in Gladstone! Selling AS IS / no disclosures.

Best Buy List

1.
Kansas City, 64152
MLS #: 1607765

Price:

$155,000

MOVE-IN READY! MUST SEE! Lot of updates completed in last 3 years: new roof, siding, windows, storm doors, garage doors, front door, driveway, AC, and front porch rails. Lots of owner pride! Great location on corner of dead end cul-de-sac, plus backs to treed area! Finished lower level has famiy room w/fireplace. Great room w/fireplace. Great locations - easy access to I29, I435, Zona Rosa Shopping District, KCI Airport and numerous other amenities.

2.
Liberty, 64068
MLS #: 1606476

Price:

$189,900

Bright open floor plan. Move in condition. Huge living room with fireplace and high ceilings.Desirable atrium split. Second living area in huge daylight basement. Great price for such a big home. This one won't last! Three car garage, beautiful kitchen. Pre approval from Countrywide required with all offers. Sold As-Is with no disclosure.

3.
Kansas City, 64154
MLS #: 1604618

Price:

$194,900

Fabulous open floor plan with real hardwoods in most rooms - bedroom level laundry - tiled master bath with spa tub, skylight and walk in closets. Today's colors and decor - chefs kitchen with island and pantry. Private back yard with deck. This home is priced to sell fast - don't miss out! Buyers looking for deal are welcome.

4.
Liberty, 64068
MLS #: 1601567

Price:

$90,000

It’s All About YOU! Are YOU looking for a Great Priced Home close to Ridgeview Elementary? Are YOU wanting an Large, Open Kitchen that has been Completely Remodeled with New Cabinets & Flooring? Are YOU looking for a Storage Building that will fit a midsize Vehicle? If so, YOU have found YOUR dream home.

5.
North Kansas City, 64116
MLS #: 1600197

Price:

$50,000

Property being sold as is, where is. Special addendums may apply.

6.
Kansas City, 64151
MLS #: 1514411

Price:

$84,900

All contracts/offers are subject ot Indymacs Banks senior management approval and any offers or counter offers by Indymac Bank are not binding unless the entire agreement is ratified by all parties.

7.
Liberty, 64068
MLS #: 1511981

Price:

$142,000

Great location just off 291 and Ruth Ewing Rd. Spacious four bedroom with two seperate living areas. Three FULL baths! Culdesac lot. Huge deck off the kitchen that will provide lots of outside entertaining area. Level area of backyard great for playset. Bring the family! Bring an offer!

8.
Liberty, 64068
MLS #: 1505103

Price:

$89,900

Property Selling in Present AS-IS Condition, No Seller’s Disclosure. Special Addendums apply *AFTER* contract is accepted. Pre-approval or Proof-of-Funds is Required. Inspections for buyer knowledge – Selling in Present AS-IS Condition!

9.
Kansas City, 64119
MLS #: 1498447

Price:

$369,900

Main level living at it's finest! So many well built extras--2x6 construction, large deck, covered patio w/ roof system, huge attic space, huge workshop, plus custom trim & design! 4 bedrms on main. Perfect lawn & custom fence. Expansive laundry rm. 2 headed shower! Insulated well! New roof July '08. Entertainers beware! This could be your destination home! A never-ending finished basement! 2 areas for fun & games + wet bar, dining space & a custom built area just for darts! Workout rm (or 5th bdm), den/storage. Workshop!

10.
Smithville, 64089
MLS #: 1498312

Price:

$189,900

Outstanding California Split with 2200+ sq. ft. Large Kitchen with wood floor, island, pantry, black appliances and huge eating area. Spacious Master Suite & Master Bath offers double sinks, whirlpool & enormous walk in closet. Finished Lower Level features Rec Room & 4th Bedroom. Large fenced yard. Lake with park & walking trails across the street.

Market Areas Outside of KC

Generally, we like to follow real estate markets outside of the Kansas City area to see where their markets are heading.  Kansas City usually follows the same patterns as other cities and states although mostly in a lesser degree.  The following information provided by Realty Times gives us a little insight into the Las Vegas market and the recovery process going on in that market.  I do think Kansas City is in for a stagnation of a home pricing uptick until late summer but housing prices will see a recovery this year.  We are already seeing recovery in pockets of Kansas City which is a great sign... 

Sales ended up 38 percent in 2008 over 2007 in Las Vegas, and residents are hoping for a recovery of pricing in 2010. The Las Vegas Sun, interviewed the National Association of Realtors’ Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, who says the sales volume will most likely turn flat prices upward.

 

"The steep drop in home prices and newly approved $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers will help pave the way for a recovery of the Las Vegas housing market in 2010," according to the chief economist with the National Association of Realtors.

"You have gone through some very tough times, but any further decline, if any, would be minimal," Yun told the Sun, noting that median prices have been nearly sliced in half from two years ago, to an average price of $150,000 in January. "Given $150,000 is very affordable for such a dynamic metropolitan region, once the economy recovers, you are in good shape. But it is just getting over the short term."

The paper reported Yun as saying prices in Sin City should stabilize by the second half of 2009 and that prices could actually appreciate above 2008 levels by the fourth quarter. Pricing, of course, has been the pushing point on sales.

The average sales price in Las Vegas has tumbled 33 percent from December 2007 to December 2008, according to Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller. The Sun reports "the price drop accelerated in December, dropping 5 percent from November 2008. The S&P/Case-Shiller index shows home prices have fallen 44 percent in Las Vegas from their peak in August 2006."

Doug Geiger - The TAG Team

Best Buy List

Here it is! This week's best buy list...our current favorites of great deals and good-looking homes.  If you see a home you like and want more information, just send an email to thetagteam@number1expert.com with the MLS number and we'll send you more information and pictures of the home. Happy browsing!

1.
Kansas City, 64116
MLS #: 1506579
Price: $97,000
WOW! New siding, PELLA thermal windows, AC carpet, and fixtures.NICE OPEN FLOOR PLAN HUGE KITCHEN! THIS HOME QUALIFIES FOR THE KC DREAM PROGRAM!!

2.
Liberty, 64068
MLS #: 1516385

Price:

$164,900

Beautiful mahogany wood laminate floors & natural slate graces the entryway of this special house*Plenty of room for the kids & a workshop for Dad in the bsmt*Enjoy the wooded space that surrounds the 2 level deck in Libertys most sought after subdivision Camelot*New paint, new floors, ready to live!

3.
Kansas City, 64118
MLS #: 1516608

Price:

$121,000

What a great house. House has been redone with new carpet,new paint, new roof, and new appliances. Home also has a finished basement and vinyl siding. Come take a look $15,000 under appraisal. Owner Agent

4.
Liberty, 64068
MLS #: 1517818

Price:

$183,750

True colonial home! In cul-de-sac! One Owner! Walk-out basement. New Silestone counters and tile floor in kitchen and baths. Timberline 40 yr roof. Newer furnace/ac/water heater. Painted in 2002 with 10 yr warranty. Mature maple trees. Beautiful landscaping. Main level laundry! Beautiful wood work throughout with true six panel doors! THERE IS SO MUCH LOVE IN THIS HOME YOU CAN FEEL IT WHEN YOU WALK THROUGH THE DOOR.

5.
Kansas City, 64116
MLS #: 1519263

Price:

$69,500

SELLER PURCHASED HOME A YEAR AGO, MOVED IN TO REHAB, AND IS NOW TRANSFERRED. HAS SPENT OVER 10K, PRICED 10K UNDER COUNTY VALUE, SWEAT EQUITY HERE STILL ALOT NEEDED. FIREPLACE, CEILING FAN AND LARGE WINDOWS IN LARGE FAMILY ROOM. NEW TOILETS UP AND DOWN, ALL APPLIANCES ARE STAYING. PLEASE MAKE AN OFFER, IT CAN BE YOURS.

6.
Kansas City, 64119
MLS #: 1521792

Price:

$135,000

Lots of WOW! New exterior paint 3/6/09.New interior paint-new carpet-new kitchen sink.Kit has a pantry & appliances are black & white.Master has walk-in clst.Termite inspection done & HVAC has been checked.New landscape!This home gives you peace of mind and all at a great price!

7.
Gladstone, 64118
MLS #: 1601461

Price:

$119,500

Gladstone address**True ranch**All brick**New carpet & paint**New windows in 2005**Home is being sold as part of an Estate**Inspections are welcome but being SOLD AS IS.

8.
Kansas City, 64155
MLS #: 1603157

Price:

$102,900

A NEW BEGINNING STARTS HERE...Property to be sold "As-Is/Where-Is", no disclosures and special addendums apply. See showing agent info.

9.
Smithville, 64089
MLS #: 1603550

Price:

$176,500

Great 2 Story Plan backs up to empty field, 3 car Garage, finished basement, Close to new pond and walking trail Just in time for Spring. SOLD as is / where is special addendums applies after offer has been approved by seller.Inspections to be done prior to offer. Seller to have carpets cleaned, interior walls painted and stove installed.

10.
Kansas City, 64155
MLS #: 1603584

Price:

$200,000

Impeccable California Split has it all *One of the largest master bedrooms/bath you'll find*Master bedroom has 2 large walk-in closets*Also-finished walk out basement, breakfast bar, tiled kitchen, dining & baths, large unfinished sub basement for all your storage needs & 3 car garage*Staley High School! Dare to compare-Better than new.

Best Buy List

1.
MLS #: 1500041

Price:

$320,000

Up-Scale Reverse, Exceptionally well cared for! Light & bright, high ceilings, Granite counters in well appointed kit w/brk nook. Elegant owner's suite w/sep shower, whirlpool, tiled floor and 2 lrg closets. All bedrooms have ceiling fans, walk in closets and bath acc. If desired maintenance of lawn/snow-removal additional $1200/yr.

2. 
MLS #: 1483565

Price:

$194,900

2 Story w/open floor plan+3 car garage! Hrdwd floors, large unfinished walkout basement, large corner lot w/great views. All kitchen appliances included. Large kitchen w/breakfast room that walks out to deck+formal dining. Large mst suite w/whirlpool tub&shower.

3.
MLS #: 1484193

Price:

$259,000

Wonderful curb appeal and space galore in this professionally decorated story and one half. Recently updated den/office on main floor. New interior paint. Lower level has weight room, ballet/dance room - could be sixth bedroom. Wet bar in rec room plus storage. Lot backs to trees.

4.
MLS #: 1484951

Price:

$475,000

Elegant yet comfortable, This well planned Reverse has everything you've been wanting for and more! extras list in home. There is an additional $75 monthly Social membership with great benifits in the Golf/Community center.

5.
MLS #: 1493982

Price:

$199,900

**SHORT SALE SUBJECT TO LENDER APPROVAL** Updated-New dishwasher, stove top, built-in microwave, new kitchen counter tops, refinished wood floors in kitchen, breakfast area and foyer. New paint throughout this large 4BR, 2 1/2 BA, 3 car garage home. Laundry is located on the bedroom level. Huge master bathroom w/jacuzzi tub, separate shower, private toilet area, his & her sink area, dressing area and large walk-in closet. New landscaping w/ decorative retaining stone. Great location next to the Liberty Community Center.

6.
MLS #: 1504140

Price:

$192,500

Stunning California Split! This home sits on a quiet cul-se-sac and is move-in ready. Open floor plan w/huge Master BR and Master Bath to die for. Lower level is finished w/bedroom and full bath with walkout. Too many upgrades to list!

7.
MLS #: 1505103

Price:

$97,900

Property Selling in Present AS-IS Condition, No Seller’s Disclosure. Special Addendums apply *AFTER* contract is accepted. Pre-approval or Proof-of-Funds is Required. Inspections for buyer knowledge – Selling in Present AS-IS Condition!

8.
MLS #: 1507973

Price:

$142,500

NEWLY REMODELED HOME ON CUL-DE-SAC in Park Hill School Dist. This home has it all! Beautiful kit w/isle & BRAND NEW SS APPL. Incredible TILE IN KIT & UPSTAIRS BATHS. CUSTOM TILE SHWR. GRANITE COUNTER TOPS IN KIT/BATHS. New frieze carpet thruout home. Hurry-won't last long. Old Republic warranty provided!!

9.
MLS #: 1514383

Price:

$114,950

BEAUTIFULLY LOCATED FOR PRIVACY, THIS SPACIOUS HOME OFFERS SEPERATE LIVING AND FAMILY ROOMS BOTH W/FPLCS, 1ST FLOOR LEADS OUT TO ENTERTAINING DECK AND LARGE BACKYARD LOCATED ADJACENT TO BEAUTIFUL WOODED AREA, EAT-IN KITCHEN,SEPERATE DINING AREA, LIGHT AND BRIGHT AND OFFERING TREMENDOUS SPACE AND LOCATION.

10.
MLS #: 1514848

Price:

$140,000

Beautiful true ranch. Brand new carpet, vinyl and roof. On a quiet cul-de-sac. Eat-in kitchen with breakfast bar.

11.
MLS #: 1518951

Price:

$124,950

Home has been totally remodeled, hardwood refinished-new carpet-paint & doors. New lights & fans and new hardware, newer roof bathrooms & appliances, Great sunroom & yard.

12.
MLS #: 1519526

Price:

$199,900

Absolutely gorgeous home! Very well maintained must see to believe. Beautiful top of the line stainless appliances all new! New roof, carpet, countertops, remote control lighting & fans in MBR, MBT & GRT RM. Landscape lights on timer. 3 in 1 covection oven, speed bake & micro. alarm system, attic fan, built in shelving. Perfect family home - a definate must see. Playset is optional.

13.
MLS #: 1522219

Price:

$209,500

Cul-de-sac lot, 4 bdrm, huge finished bsmt, open kitchen with main bdrms & laundry on main lvl, mstr on 3rd level with spacious wlk in clst, whirlpool tub. Has an unfinished sub-bsmt for storage. Clean as a whistle! Nice house!

14.
MLS #: 1600330

Price:

$135,000

All new neutral paint, carpet, and linoleum throughout. Walkout basement was recently finished out. Large backyard is peaceful and private with many mature trees. Three bedrooms and two baths with lots of space. Separate entry has mud area and leads to laundry room. Dining area overlooks the deck and backyard.

15.
MLS #: 1601358

Price:

$145,000

Awesome, updated, CLEAN home ready to move into! This home features beautiful kitchen with granite/silestone counters, stainless appliances, wood floors, vaulted ceilings; great room with space for the whole crew, fireplace with gas logs, wiring for surround sound, very light & bright & more! Bathrooms are beautifully updated too! Hurry!

Terrific location, terrific schools, great access to shopping, wooded lot with nice decking off the back, very nice home for $145K! You can tell when you walk in that the seller's have totally enjoyed living here! It's been very well taken care of and it's very inviting! See it today!

Monday Market Watch

Sorry, this is day late!

In the past 7 days, 105 homes came on market in Clay and Platte counties. The average list price is $202,055.

In the past 7 days, 86 homes received a contract in Clay and Platte counties. The average list price at the time of contract acceptance is $162,584.

In the past 7 days, 37 homes have closed (sold) in Clay and Platte counties. The average sold price is $164,282. The average days on market for these homes is 47 days.

Sorry, this is day late!

In the past 7 days, 105 homes came on market in Clay and Platte counties. The average list price is $202,055.

In the past 7 days, 86 homes received a contract in Clay and Platte counties. The average list price at the time of contract acceptance is $162,584.

In the past 7 days, 37 homes have closed (sold) in Clay and Platte counties. The average sold price is $164,282. The average days on market for these homes is 47 days.

Sorry, this is day late!

In the past 7 days, 105 homes came on market in Clay and Platte counties. The average list price is $202,055.

In the past 7 days, 86 homes received a contract in Clay and Platte counties. The average list price at the time of contract acceptance is $162,584.

In the past 7 days, 37 homes have closed (sold) in Clay and Platte counties. The average sold price is $164,282. The average days on market for these homes is 47 days.

Market Watch Monday

In the past 7 days, 164 homes came on market in Clay and Platte counties. The average list price is $184,561.

In the past 7 days, 72 homes received a contract in Clay and Platte counties. The average list price at the time of contract acceptance is $159,069.

In the past 7 days, 46 homes have closed (sold) in Clay and Platte counties. The average sold price is $177,733. The average days on market for these homes is 54 days.

In the past 7 days, 164 homes came on market in Clay and Platte counties. The average list price is $184,561.

In the past 7 days, 72 homes received a contract in Clay and Platte counties. The average list price at the time of contract acceptance is $159,069.

In the past 7 days, 46 homes have closed (sold) in Clay and Platte counties. The average sold price is $177,733. The average days on market for these homes is 54 days.

Best Buy List

Remember, we can email you more pictures and information about any of these homes. Just send an email to thetagteam@number1expert.com with the subject line "Best Buy".

1.
MLS #: 1510541

Price:

$19,500

Sold as is, no contingencies, no disclosures, proof of funds or preapproval with offer, EM from certified funds.

2.
MLS #: 1511217

Price:

$82,500

Property is being sold as-is, no sellers disclosure. Minimum $1,000 EMD along with proof of funds or pre-approval required to submit offers.

3.
MLS #: 1511981

Price:

$144,900

Great location just off 291 and Ruth Ewing Rd. Spacious four bedroom with two seperate living areas. Three FULL baths! Culdesac lot. Huge deck off the kitchen that will provide lots of outside entertaining area. Level area of backyard great for playset. Bring the family! Bring an offer!

4.
MLS #: 1512151

Price:

$228,855

Beautiful den/Study and family room in basement could even be another living area, as is, no contingencies, no disclosures, proof of funds or preapproval with offer, EM from certified funds.

5.
MLS #: 1514497

Price:

$164,900

WELCOME TO THIS SPACIOUS RANCH W/HARDWOOD FLOORS IN GRT RM, MSTR BDRM & 2ND BDRM. FINISHED WALKOUT W/FAMILY RM, FULL BATH & 3RD BDRM. GRT RM W/FRPL, TRAY CEILING & CEILING FAN. ADDITIONAL FEATURES INCLUDE HUMIDIFIER, CORNER LOT, LANDSCAPED YARD. HOME WARRANTY TO BE PROVIDED.

6.
MLS #: 1518164

Price:

$94,900

Solid 3 bed, 1 bath home here! House has lots of good features-nice layout, lots of oak built-ins, large deck, big lot and great location. Needs TLC but has good potential! Selling AS IS no sellers disclosure.

7.
MLS #: 1521746

Price:

$199,950

Turn-Key condition, just like new! 2Sty home w/4bdrm, 2.5bath & 2 car garage. Modern colors & decor give home perfect touch. Kitchen features hdwd flr, kitchen isle, wlk-in pantry & tile backsplsh. MBA & lrg wlk-in clst. Laundry conviently on bdrm level.

8.
MLS #: 1522157

Price:

$209,900

WOW ~ Shows like a Model Home ~ Cul-de-sac Lot ~ Secluded subdivision ~ Backs to Trees!! Very open with hardwood floors, HUGE kitchen, Tons of cabinets & counter space, Vaulted ceilings & fans, Upgraded alarm system! 3 large bedrooms, three full baths, Finished basement & bath, Deep 3 car garage. EXCELLENT SCHOOL DISTRICT! GREAT LIBERTY LOCATION!

9.
MLS #: 1600007

Price:

$160,000

Pristine! Immaculate! Owners have taken incredible care of this home! Fenced backyard, 3 CAR GARAGE! Blocks from walking trail and park. Roof is 2 years old, Ac is 4 years. Updated master bathroom, NO HOA's! Large kitchen, formal dining room with built-ins. This home is a MUST SEE!!!

10.
MLS #: 1600136

Price:

$194,900

FINDERS KEEPERS-LOSERS WEEPERS! THIS TRULY IS A MUST SEE! BUILT BY "ACUFF HOMES." SPACIOUS, OPEN PLAN W/LOTS OF LIGHT IN MODEL HOME CONDITION. FANTASTIC KITCHEN, AWESOME MASTER SUITE W/HUGHE WALK-IN CLOSET, JETTED TUB, & DBL VANITY. THIS IS A "WOW HOME," IN A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD WITH IT'S OWN CLUB HOUSE/ POOL, & CONVENIENT TO EVERYTHING!

Buyers--The $8000 Tax Credit--What does this mean to you?

Hello! 

I was just wondering if the tax credit from the IRS has given any of our first time buyers (Or buyer's that haven't owned in 3 years) any incentive to actually purchase a home this spring? 

It seems that some buyers I have talked to aren't really aware of the fact that the tax credit changed from one that had to be paid back, to being an actual Refund against your tax liability.  Or some buyers just don't seem to understand the new provision in the tax laws.

From my perspective, prices are coming down, there is so much inventory to choose from and sellers are more ready to deal and interest rates are incredible, and the government is crediting buyers up to $8000 in free money for purchasing!  This should be a great combination of factors for buyers to take advantage of!  

But I would love to hear from you!  Just comment on this blog, or you can e-mail me directly at thetagteam@number1expert.com to keep your comments private/confidential, if the tax credit or other factors are influencing you about purchasing in the near future.  Or if you are still on the fence, why are you feeling the need to remain on the sidelines? 

Karelyn Geiger

Team Director, The TAG Team